Winn Middle School hosts community listening session on student fees

In a recent meeting of the Tewksbury School Committee, members gathered to discuss key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and addressing student needs. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as committee members outlined plans for an upcoming listening session, designed to gather feedback from parents and community members regarding student fees and other pressing issues.

The session, set to take place at Winn Middle School, is strategically timed to coincide with other school activities, encouraging parents to participate. Committee members emphasized the importance of making the event inclusive, ensuring that all parents within the district feel welcome to share their thoughts. "We want to capitalize on the opportunity for parents to discuss the impact of these fees as their children transition to high school," one member noted, highlighting the session's relevance to families.

In addition to community engagement, the meeting also addressed the appointment of Terry Regan to the Valley Collaborative board. Regan, who has served for over three years, received unanimous support from the committee for her continued role. Her experience and positive feedback from annual meetings were acknowledged, reinforcing the collaborative's reputation for effective management and high satisfaction among its members.

The committee also reviewed its assignments for the upcoming year, with many roles remaining unchanged from the previous year. Key areas of focus include wellness, special education, and student voice initiatives. Members discussed the formation of a new work group aimed at enhancing student representation within the district, although its structure and future direction remain to be defined.

As the meeting concluded, the committee prepared to vote on various subcommittee assignments and collective bargaining positions, ensuring that all voices within the school community are represented and heard. The discussions underscored a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where parents, students, and educators can collaborate to enhance the educational experience in Tewksbury.